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kittenkat
09-08-2006, 12:43 PM
He was the first animal presenter I know of that would hold up a poisonous centipede and exclaim in that broad Aussie accent, “What a beauty!” as if he was clutching the cutest baby fawn. He’ll be missed.

He would do that, and really meant it... It's near impossible to find sincere people, much less a sincere celeb. *sniffle* I can't watch any of his shows right now because I watch him with his wife, and then I think of his family and what the world has lost, and I get teary.

GoldCoastGirl
09-08-2006, 04:56 PM
I totally agree with you Docido and kittenkat !!!

Peter Brock, another Australian, also died recently (yesterday) doing what he did best and loved doing.

HOWEVER

There is a big huge difference between someone who was great at sport even if it is a motorsport and Steve Irwin. Hence the reason why I am still mourning Steve compared to really thinking about Brock. Yeh, my condolences to Brock's family and friends yet.. Steve.. he really did something.

He was one of the few to make looking after ALL creatures not just the ones that a photogenic, cute and/or cuddly in some way attractive... and yes.. everything he did he did with honesty and sincerity.

Damn damn damn. It's going to be awhile before I stop crying at the thought of him being gone. I may not have known him personally however he did have an impact on me.

Lysondra
09-08-2006, 07:00 PM
$500 already in donations from Strippers.

Also... I wish these threads weren't merged. I had tons of links floating around to the donation thread and now it shows up as not existing. So everyone thinks I'm a douche. Yay. :/

kittenkat
09-08-2006, 07:01 PM
^^GCG,

I'm totally with you. I was wondering why I felt so sad about a death of a man I didn't know- the death of a man where I wasn't a die hard fan. I thought there was something wrong with me for a bit- then I realized what it was. I also cried a lot when I found out Diane Fossey and Jacque Cousteau died, because I admired their work and their passion extended outside of their ego. How many people go out and spend their life making the world a better place for people and animals? How many people will ever replace Irwin's love for animals, and pour their entire life and also money into preserving what they loved so dearly? He didn't have fleets of rolls royces. He put most of his money into his cause. That's the part that really makes me sad- is that he wasn't just a passionate person, but he walked the talk 100,000%. So, I can find the guy to be not my cup of tea in real life, but my personal feelings of his style never lessened my regard for the man's work and dedication- I always admired him for that. The few times I saw his show, I could tell he was a million percent sincere about his passion. One of the times I watched his show, when a snake bit him, instead of throwing the snake, he felt bad for the snake that the snake felt he had to bite him almost, gently put the snake back and made sure the snake wasn't hurt before seeking treatment. When I saw that, I knew this guy was genuine.

When David Attenborough dies, I'm sure I'll be crying my eyes out again. Steve called David "the voice of God."

I've always been a great fan of dedicated wildlife rescue folks, and have volunteered my time to conservation and wildlife welfare, so I feel like we lost our biggest bullhorn and siren.

kittenkat
09-08-2006, 07:07 PM
A clip from an article...:


Dr Seymour, a toxic animal expert from James Cook University, said Irwin had changed his life in the five days he had known him. He said Irwin had paid him a remarkable tribute after he sacrificed his son's 13th birthday - on Father's Day - to go on the trip.

The Croc Hunter had spoken by phone to Dr Seymour's son, Ben. "The thing he said just stuck in my mind: 'Ben, thanks for letting me have your Dad on your birthday'.

"I hung up and I said to Steve 'thanks for doing that' and these are the words he said to me and they're going to run with me for the rest of my life: 'No Jamie, thank you for letting me come into your life'. That really sums this guy up."

and this...

I thought you might appreciate this. I found this on his memorial site, it made me teary again. Here's the link to the thread... I don't think it's copyrighted so I'm posting the pretty dedication:

http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9691947048/m/1381982248



An interesting day at the Rainbow Bridge.

Rainbow Bridge is a place of both peace and anticipation as departed pets await their beloved owners. There are plenty of things to keep them contented while they wait: trees you can't get stuck in, endless meadows, splashing streams, thickets perfect to hide in for pounce-attack games.

But one day the residents noticed some rather...unusual newcomers arrive.

The koalas and the kangaroos slipped in rather quietly, but then came the bearded dragons, the skinks and the goannas. The influx of snakes startled an entire family of cats up a tree. Pythons, cobras, tiger snakes, brown snakes and even fierce snakes. There were so many at one point, it seemed the ground itself was alive with writhing. A burly wombat shouldered his way through the crowd and plopped down in a shady spot, barely missing a Jack Russell terrier who yapped indignantly as he abandoned his position.

And then the crocodiles showed up.

Finally, a Great Dane managed to get up enough nerve to approach one of the reptillian giants.

"Um....excuse me," he said hesitantly. "But why are you all here?"

The croc dropped her jaw and laughed. "Same as you, mate," she said. "Waitin' for someone who loved us."

The dogs, cats, gerbils and other "typical pets" looked at each other in confusion, then at the plethora of weird, ugly and downright deadly creatures assembled. Who on Earth could possibly love some of those faces?

"I see him!" shouted a green mamba from his vantage point in one of the trees. A cacophony of squeeks, hisses, bellows and roars erupted as the mob surged forward toward a lone human walking across the field toward the bridge. The other animals managed to catch a glimpse of him before he was overwhelmed by the crowd.

"CRIKEY!" he shouted joyously right before he was bowled over by the wombat.

"Well I'll be," said a Persian as she tidied up her fur. "It's that Aussie my human liked to watch on TV. Had to be the craziest human on the whole planet."

"Oh, please," remarked a echidna as he hurried by. "Is it really that that crazy to passionately love something God made?"

kittenkat
09-08-2006, 07:26 PM
If there is a Rainbow Bridge and if we can meet our beloved that's passed on, I'm sure he's happy to see his mum and pup Sui again. *sniffle*

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,20376880-910,00.html

^^ Wonderful article


Irwin dedicated his 2002 mini-biography, The Crocodile Hunter, to Lyn. "Oh gosh! I miss you, Mum," he wrote. "The pain of losing you tears my heart out. I love you. I long to be reunited with you."

GoldCoastGirl
09-08-2006, 07:31 PM
kittenkat .... what you posted made me cry ... damnit!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am not going to be over him in a long long time. :'(:'(:'(

He genuinely loved his mother and father. Shame his father had to see his son die (as such). Real shame. Oh man. :'(

MrChristopher
09-09-2006, 02:25 AM
I'm not generally a big softie, but this man's death has genuinely shaken me. I don't care much about celebrity or whatnot, but I just feel terribly sad everytime I think he's gone. I'm a huge wildlife/nature geek and that has everything to do with it. It's a learning experience for me, because I actually feel a little choked up... like I knew the man and we were friends. I know how corny that sounds, trust me, and I don't really care. RIP Steve.

Docido
09-09-2006, 06:06 AM
I feel the same way as Mr. C. When he was alive I knew the public image. But since his death I've discovered he bought land for habitat preservation, started endangered species breeding programs, discovered a new species of snapping turtle (elseya irwini), and wrote scholarly articles. Maybe it’s my fault or maybe it’s the media’s (you can always blame the media) for portraying the man as a pantomime Aussie, but why wasn’t the world more aware of the man’s work as a serious as your life zoologist. The Crocodile Hunter show was a lot of fun, but his scientific work may, in the long run, turn out to be more important.

Having your own species of turtle, how cool is that!!

kittenkat
09-09-2006, 12:54 PM
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/biggest-hospital-will-be-our-final-gift-to-steve/2006/09/09/1157222376395.html

I've been involved in wildlife resuce... this is wonderful. God, Steve... imagine how much he could have done if he lived a full life.
*cries again*

GoldCoastGirl
09-09-2006, 05:45 PM
Any news about the public memorial service??? I havn't heard anything yet. I want to see if I can go. If I have nothing happening (work), then I will definately make the trek...

Lysondra
09-09-2006, 06:22 PM
It'll be at the stadium near my work. Not sure when. Suncorp.

kittenkat
09-09-2006, 06:29 PM
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200609/s1737296.htm

Surfers in Queensland held a memorial for Steve.

When my friend died in a car accident, his surf friends did a similar memorial, except it was casting his ashes into the ocean.

Madcap
09-10-2006, 12:58 AM
This is a brilliant piece. The writer refutes everything Germaine Greer had to say about Steve Irwin (usually with nothing more than simple logic and fact) while simultaneously triviliazing her to the point of nothingness.

MrChristopher
09-10-2006, 01:22 AM
^^Thanks, Madcap. That guy rules, and I just sent him an email to tell him so. Fuck Germaine Greer right in her tight elitist asshole.

Deogol
09-10-2006, 01:26 AM
This is a brilliant piece. The writer refutes everything Germaine Greer had to say about Steve Irwin (usually with nothing more than simple logic and fact) while simultaneously triviliazing her to the point of nothingness.




What's awesome is that it is in Time - a publication that will be read world wide.

Madcap
09-10-2006, 01:36 AM
Greer should stay indoors for awhile, because I doubt she'll get a warm welcome out in public.

GoldCoastGirl
09-10-2006, 04:41 AM
WHO weekly here in Australia also has a great tribute article (many pages long) to him. I love the final ending paragraph:


"I'd love to live until I'm 80," Steve told WHO in 2000. "I want to see my daughter grow up; I want to love my wife. I hope I live a long and healthy life but if I don't ... I have had such a wonderful, fulfilled life and I get what a lot of other people don't get, which is to educate people about conservation. There's my reason for living, my passion. This is why God created me." AMEN


BEAUTIFUL! I'm going to post that last paragraph on my "In Memoriam" blog when I get a chance. Great article.

Here's a more humourous quote from the same article... I had a little laugh as I knew Steve would laugh at this one:

"The animals have no capacity to return Steve's affection," Terri said at this 1992 photo shoot for WHO. "In fact, all they want to do is kill him."

:)

MishaBliss
09-10-2006, 05:11 AM
This is a brilliant piece. The writer refutes everything Germaine Greer had to say about Steve Irwin (usually with nothing more than simple logic and fact) while simultaneously triviliazing her to the point of nothingness.

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1532375,00.html

Great article.

GoldCoastGirl
09-10-2006, 05:13 AM
I am going to try my darnest to make it up to the Zoo in the coming fortnight so I can pay my respects ... take photos of the many many tributes left for him out the front... and spend a day enjoying the Zoo as Steve would have wanted people to do so !! Plus I am helping Wildlife Warriors by keeping the Zoo going since the Zoo takes care of all the administrative costs of running the non-profit organisation.

I never made it up to the Zoo as it was always seemed so far away from me... and seriously the thought that Steve would die before I would be able to maybe see him LIVE there at the Zoo never ever entered my consciousness/mind.... so I will visit it now as my way to pay my respects.

So...... I'm willing to pick people up on the way as I do have a car if the other people are willing to chip in for fuel Naturally, everyone pays for themselves to enter the park and purchasing anything whilst there from food and drink to merchandise...

Who's up for it ? I'm wanting to do it on a Sunday or Monday, if possible. Depends if everyone would like a full day or half day out to the Zoo.

http://www.australiazoo.com.au/australia_zoo/visitus/plan_day.html


I definately need to get to the Zoo before 1.30pm ! As I want in on the "behind the scenes" tour of the Wildlife Hospital... besides all proceeds from this particular tour goes towards Wildlife Warriors. ;D
http://www.australiazoo.com.au/australia_zoo/animal_experiences/koala_hospital.html

GoldCoastGirl
09-10-2006, 10:38 PM
His public memorial is supposedly (it's still speculated) to be at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane ...and will be held next week. Since I have a promo gig to do up at Caloundra (Sunshine Coast) tomorrow until 12.30am ... so I hope it doesn't go over time as then Australia Zoo will only be half an hour away from me then (compared to a 2 hour drive from the Gold Coast).

Since I probably won't get there in time for the wildlife hospital tour ... I will do the "naughty wombats" animal encounter instead. I've always had a soft spot for those creatures. ;D Besides... the $30 that it costs to have this animal encounter goes to Wildlife Warriors.

I will definately be taking my digital camera along.

Lysondra
09-10-2006, 10:43 PM
It's definitely at Suncorp (on Caxton Street in Paddington, Brisbane) because since I work down the street there's been lots of hubbub about it, even from the Suncorp footy director!

You're going tomorrow? Ach, I wish I had monies for tomorrow, I thought it would be this weekend. :/

GoldCoastGirl
09-11-2006, 12:17 AM
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20390606-3102,00.html

Supposedly on a Tuesday or Wednesday which works well for me ;D As for Aust. Zoo trip, I wouldn't have been able to do it this weekend as I work Fri, Sat and have some modelling to do this Sunday.

Thank you Mother Nature :laughing: !! The prediction for crappy weather tomorrow cancelled my promo booking :( I'm not going to go in the end as I will be too far away. I will go to the memorial service next week then the next day go to Australia Zoo.

I was only going to do it tomorrow as I was going to be "in the area" so it was convienant instead of a two hour trip. Hmmm ... it's my perogative (sp?) to change my mind. I will see what the weather is like around 8am in the morning and if it ends up being a good day (or at least one where I will still be able to enjoy myself at the Zoo) then I will make the trek.

Madcap
09-11-2006, 08:54 PM
Preemptive: Is it okay if pics of the memorial are posted in this thread, Rhia? In this one case? Rather than moving them all over so folk can get it all in one? Pweeeeeeeeeeeeeeze? *puppy dog eyes* This i want to see. I wish i could be there. I still haven't told my kid that he's gone. I don't rightly figure how, yet.

I'm really surprised by my reaction to all this. I mean, I *thought* that i thought the guy was a tool. At least that's what I thought i thought. If you grip me. I had no idea what i actually felt about him. I suppose the kiddo has something to do, but it's more than that. I find myself worrying about CROCODILES for god's sake. Now that he's gone...

kittenkat
09-12-2006, 03:22 AM
Does anyone know if his tribute will be broadcast stateside?

GoldCoastGirl
09-12-2006, 01:46 PM
I have absolutely no idea if they will broadcast the public memorial next week. I didn't end up going yesterday as the weather is so unpredictable right now. It can be sunny yet rain on/off during the day... I just don't want to do a two hour trip up there to only have my fun rained upon as such. I will definately try to attend the public memorial no matter the weather. Wonder if they will allow cameras ? I want to take photos for not only myself and my memories ..... to also share with everyone here since, naturally, not everyone who wants to make it to his memorial service will be able to due to being located outside Australia or even in a different state !

I'm still awaiting information. So far all I know it is next week on a weekday at Suncorp Stadium.

MishaBliss
09-12-2006, 06:23 PM
How tragic is this (http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=144087)

What sort of immature retarted mind thinks this is a good thing to do? Steve Irwin will already be turning in his grave.
Fuckers.

GoldCoastGirl
09-12-2006, 08:25 PM
I officially dispise PETA -- from http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20404169-1702,00.html

INTERNATIONAL animal rights group PETA has branded Steve Irwin a cheap reality TV star, backing controversial comments by expatriate academic Germaine Greer over the conservationist's death. ... see story link above for more.

At least they waited unlike Germaine Greer. I will give them that however now I utterly utterly refuse to support them in any way, shape nor form. This action will hurt them.



The public memorial service is WEDNESDAY 20th (next week) @ AUSTRALIA ZOO !!! I am going to totally go please PM or email ( [email protected] ) if you want me to pick you up on the way .... Whilst it starts at 9am unfortunately there will be crowds and I want a parking space as well as a decent spot to sit so I am actually aiming for a 7.30am arrival.

I know how these things work, even that early there will still be a huge crowd. Believe me!!! So if you are up for an EARLY MORNING START for a two hour trip (well, from the Gold Coast) then contact me .....

Lysondra
09-12-2006, 08:35 PM
Oh goddess, PETA, land of the hypocrites. Anyone hear about their freezers, or their vice-prez turning down vegetarian injections because she prefered the ones that killed pigs 'because she needs their lives to save hers' and that all cats should be freed into the wild because it's normal?

Yeah, the second they say something, I believe the opposite.

GoldCoastGirl
09-12-2006, 10:37 PM
Okay I learnt that tickets will be sold at the Zoo. So I'm guessing that you pay for your admission to the Zoo and have the option at the Gate to pay for a ticket to the memorial. The money from the tickets to the memorial will be going to Wildlife Warriors. It's going to be an expensive day... fuel, admission, food, drink, memorial ticket, wombat animal encounter experience cost (proceeds from this goes to Wildlife Warriors) however soooo worth it for me personally.

The memorial will be broadcast internationally as well. Most likely on the Animal Planet site I am guessing..... so even those of you in the US can be there in spirit (as such) through watching the live feed/broadcast.

It starts 9am QLD time ... look up Brisbane Australia for the time as Beerwah operates on the same time.

Lysondra
09-12-2006, 10:39 PM
^ Geeze I didn't realize ALL that might be involved. I'll talk with my boyfriend but I might not be able to come. As much as I want to, my appointment with immigration is next week and I need money to "bribe" them. :P

GoldCoastGirl
09-12-2006, 11:04 PM
That's okay it will supposedly telecast live over the web or some such across Australia and various other countries. I'm guessing Animal Planet the tv channel and/or website will do the cast. Otherwise, I am definately going. I have nothing planned for Wednesday at this stage.

kittenkat
09-12-2006, 11:54 PM
I wish I could be there, GCG. I'll be watching across the sea in the US.

GoldCoastGirl
09-13-2006, 04:43 AM
Steve Irwin's Memorial Service @ http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=STEVEIRW06&searchId=7e9de266-26e8-4011-94e8-f63c3a040652

Steve Irwin's memorial service will be held on Wednesday 20th September at 9:00am at Australia Zoo. 3000 tickets will be available from Friday 15th September at 9:00am.
- 1000 tickets will be available from the Australia Zoo Box Office (Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive, Beerwah)
- 1000 tickets will be available from the Brisbane City Box Office (Store 95, Myer Centre, Elizabeth Street, Brisbane) and,
- 1000 tickets will be available from Myer Maroochydore Ticketek Agency (Sunshine Plaza Shopping Centre, Amaroo Street, Maroochydore, Queensland)



I am actually "up in the air" about whether I will try to scramble for one of the 1000 tickets being given out for free at the Brisbane TicketTek or to try my luck with acquiring a ticket another way. It will be fun in a way to see how many people will be scrambling for those 1000 tickets. I remember lining up for hours prior to the selling of tickets for Janet's concert back in the nighties :laughing: Then there was the many hours line up I did for the Big Brother auditions in Adelaide ... so it isn't like I am unfamiliar with the concept. I dunno. It will mean that I will have to get there damn early (the sun hasn't even risen or even thought about rising).... as I know there will people there from mid-night onwards grabbing a spot most likely. I just don't have any real comprehension as to how popular these tickets will be.....

Should I do it? Should I line up and hope to grab one of the tickets or just try my luck with going about getting a ticket another way ?

GoldCoastGirl
09-13-2006, 06:53 PM
Well, I have a booking to do locally (Surfers Paradise) at mid-night tonight. I'll be finished by 12.30am .... so I figure since I am up anyway... might as well make the trek up to Brisbane to "camp out" for tickets just to see if I can actually get a ticket. That would be awesome!!!!

So. I'll update soon about whether or not I managed to secure one of the "free" tickets. ;D

Lysondra
09-13-2006, 06:55 PM
If you get any of the free tickets then I definitely can come to Aus Zoo. If I have to pay I can't so maybe you can score some for Boy and I while you're there? Dunno if it's possible, probably not.

If you wanna sleep over when you got them instead of driving back, my house is open. :)

GoldCoastGirl
09-13-2006, 11:59 PM
^^^ Maximum of four tickets per person. I wouldn't mind company if I do end up camping out as I will be arriving there around 2am ... and that is 7 hours I have to fill ... :laughing:

They are free and there is ONLY these 3000 ticket available as the rest of the tickets/seats are pre-reserved. So if I miss out on gaining one of the 1000 tickets (or three in my case since you and ya boy would like one each) then I miss out. There is no other way to gain entry. The zoo will be closed that day, it is just hosting the memorial and that's it.

The memorial is going to be telecast on ABC at the very least and supposedly Ch 9 wants to broadcast it as well... so if I miss out on a ticket I won't miss out totally as I can watch it on tv like most of Australia.

Madcap
09-14-2006, 12:13 AM
What time is this going down? I'd imagine Animal Planet might broadcast it. No need to calculate anything, just hit me with aussie time and i'll do the math.

Knowing my oppressive work schedule i'll be flipping the tivo anyway for it, probably.

Lysondra
09-14-2006, 12:27 AM
I can be some company if I know the exact location. :)

kittenkat
09-14-2006, 12:45 AM
I assume abc is broadcasting it, not animal planet. They apparently have declined so far to broadcast the tribute- probably abc has an exclusivity arrangement.

Madcap
09-14-2006, 12:50 AM
Any idea when?

GoldCoastGirl
09-14-2006, 01:25 AM
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20410771-2,00.html

DAMNIT!!!!!!!!!!!! I would've had to been camped out since mid-day today to have a decent chance. The 1000 tickets at Aust. Zoo are basically sold out... I would say it is the same with Maroochydore... and Brisbane.. well.. people have been in the queue since 8am this morning!! By the time I would've gotten there around 2am it would be too late. If every person in that queue got the max 4 tickets (which I have a feeling people will do), that means there only needs to be 250 for the tickets to be sold out.

I really really would've liked to have gone yet I will watch it televised like everyone else it seems. I am grateful that they will be doing that at the very least. I'll be video-taping it.

Lysondra
09-14-2006, 02:59 AM
Darn, I was going to see you there.

GoldCoastGirl
09-14-2006, 04:49 PM
No tickets. 9am has come and gone it is closer to 10am now. *sigh* Can't say I am not disappointed that I am not going to the memorial however as I said in my previous post .... I would've had to be there from before mid-day to be able to have a really decent chance at getting a ticket (or four). Oh well. At least it is being televised and I will sit there with my candle lit watching the memorial.

kittenkat
09-14-2006, 06:22 PM
His memorial will be televised in the US through animal planet!

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060914/dcth080.html?.v=9

GoldCoastGirl
09-16-2006, 04:25 PM
Well, ebay was true to their word. The listing that I knew of where the person was trying to get a ridiculous (in the millions) amount of money for the tickets has been removed.... and there is also a really great story about what happened at Australia Zoo. A kid who really wanted to go to the memorial who missed out on tickets started crying... an adult male say this kid and gave him all four of his tickets (since that is the max. no. of tickets per person allowed)... then an adult female seeing all this gave her tickets to the guy.

PLAY IT FORWARD ;D Yay!

Also, supposedly after everything is said and done... if there are even 20 tickets "left over" that they will release them to the public. If it doesn't rain, I will head up to Australia Zoo on Wednesday so as I can be close enough to the memorial instead of being here at home.

Then if I am not busy on Thursday I might go back up to actually partake of the Zoo (as the main story going around at the moment is that the Zoo will be closed after the memorial).

GoldCoastGirl
09-19-2006, 02:40 PM
Well, today is the day. 9am QLD (Brisbane) time. My Kleenix are ready ... I really do hope that Terri not just Bindi does take a moment to speak at the memorial. I know it will be incredibly sad for her and her children (probably not "Bob" as he is kinda too young to really understand death .... he will in two years time)... and his father and his friends... and all the staff etc.

I didn't get tickets and I've decided to not record the memorial as it is meant to be a way for us "the public" to seek closure. Time to celebrate Steve, his life and the legacy he has left.

GoldCoastGirl
09-19-2006, 05:08 PM
That was beautiful! Go Bindi!!! Terri isn't going to get over Steve in a hurry. She was tearful through-out it... so was I :( Good Bye Steve ... you would've loved that memorial.

Rhiannon
09-19-2006, 06:39 PM
Awww. I just flipped on Animal Planet, and they're showing it. I'm catching the last half-hour now, and TiVoing the showing in a couple of hours so I can watch the whole thing.

Terri looks sad, but very very strong.

His Dad made me want to break down and cry though.

(Happy Side Note: I saw my Blue Wiggles Guy, Anthony! WooBaby!)

aussiepunkshocker
09-19-2006, 07:04 PM
It was a great send off - so much better than a state funeral would have been IMO. The organisers did such a great job!
I bawled, it was so sad but there were alot of good moments / memories. Im never going to be able to listen to True Blue again without shedding a tear!